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Africa - Grain - Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights
Report Update: Jun 1, 2025

Africa - Grain - Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights

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Dec 7, 2023

Grain Industry Insights in Africa

The grain industry is a cornerstone of food security in Africa, serving as a staple for millions across the continent. With a burgeoning population and socioeconomic transformations, understanding the volume of grain production and consumption is pivotal for ensuring the resilience of food systems in Africa. The data obtained from IndexBox shows that the largest countries in terms of grain consumption in Africa in 2022 were Egypt (38.117 M tons), Nigeria (32.168 M tons), Ethiopia (31.605 M tons), Algeria (22.505 M tons), and South Africa (16.769 M tons).

Volume of Grain Production

When it comes to grain production, Ethiopia led the charts with 30.179 M tons, followed closely by Nigeria with 29.647 M tons. Egypt held the third position with 22.385 M tons, while South Africa and Tanzania produced 19.153 M tons and 11.311 M tons, respectively. These figures suggest that while some African countries have robust production capacities, others are still largely dependent on imports to meet their grain demands.

Most Popular Types of Grain

Maize (corn), wheat, and rice are among the most popular grains cultivated and consumed on the African continent. Maize, adaptable to various climates, is widely grown across sub-Saharan Africa. Wheat is prevalent in North African countries, where bread and other wheat-based foods are dietary staples. Rice consumption is also significant, particularly in West African nations, given its ease of integration into traditional dishes. The volumes of these grains, however, fluctuate annually due to factors like climate variability and market forces.

Drivers of Market Growth and Limitations

Economic development, population growth, and urbanization are key drivers of market growth in Africa's grain industry. As more people move to cities, the demand for processed and convenient food items, many of which are grain-based, rises. However, growth is not without its limitations. Poor infrastructure, fluctuating climatic conditions, and limited access to technology hinder production capabilities. Policies aiming at improving agricultural practices, investment in storage and transport infrastructure, and the development of more climate-resistant crop varieties can potentially mitigate some of these challenges.

Dependency on Grain Imports

Africa's reliance on grain imports is significant. In 2022, Algeria was the largest grain importer with 18.916 M tons, followed by Egypt (15.737 M tons), Morocco (8.779 M tons), Libya (3.484 M tons), and Tunisia (3.443 M tons). These import volumes highlight a substantial dependence on foreign grain supplies, due in part to insufficient domestic production to meet the demand.

Regarding the financial aspect of imports, in 2022, Egypt spent the most on grain imports, reaching a total of 6.308 billion USD. Algeria's import value amounted to 4.606 billion USD, Morocco's to 3.638 billion USD, Nigeria's to 2.276 billion USD, and Tunisia's to 1.469 billion USD.

Challenges of Import Reliance

Reliance on imports can pose multiple challenges, such as vulnerability to global market fluctuations and trade policies of exporting countries. Trade restrictions, supply chain disruptions, and logistics issues are tangible problems that can jeopardize food security in import-dependent African countries. Furthermore, currency fluctuations can significantly impact the affordability of grain imports. Additionally, reliance on a diversified set of countries for grain imports can be both a strength and a liability, as it exposes nations to varying geopolitical risks that can affect supply chains.

Conclusion

The grain industry in Africa is marked by contrasting scenarios of production capacities and import dependencies. While countries like Ethiopia and Nigeria showcase substantial production volumes, others continue to rely heavily on imports to feed their populations. The complex interplay of factors contributing to market growth and limitations underscores the need for strategic policy development aimed at enhancing self-sufficiency and mitigating the potential risks associated with import reliance. Efforts to build robust agricultural systems in Africa are essential to ensure the long-term sustainability and security of the continent's grain supply.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform

This report provides an in-depth analysis of the grain market in Africa. Within it, you will discover the latest data on market trends and opportunities by country, consumption, production and price developments, as well as the global trade (imports and exports). The forecast exhibits the market prospects through 2030.

Product coverage:

  • FCL 108 - Cereals, nes
  • FCL 103 - Mixed grain
  • FCL 92 - Quinoa
  • FCL 15 - Wheat
  • FCL 71 - Rye
  • FCL 44 - Barley
  • FCL 75 - Oats
  • FCL 56 - Maize
  • FCL 27 - Rice, paddy
  • FCL 83 - Sorghum
  • FCL 89 - Buckwheat
  • FCL 101 - Canary seed
  • FCL 94 - Fonio
  • FCL 97 - Triticale
  • FCL 79 - Millet

Country coverage:

Data coverage:

  • Market volume and value
  • Per Capita consumption
  • Forecast of the market dynamics in the medium term
  • Production in Africa, split by region and country
  • Trade (exports and imports) in Africa
  • Export and import prices
  • Market trends, drivers and restraints
  • Key market players and their profiles

Reasons to buy this report:

  • Take advantage of the latest data
  • Find deeper insights into current market developments
  • Discover vital success factors affecting the market

This report is designed for manufacturers, distributors, importers, and wholesalers, as well as for investors, consultants and advisors.

In this report, you can find information that helps you to make informed decisions on the following issues:

  1. How to diversify your business and benefit from new market opportunities
  2. How to load your idle production capacity
  3. How to boost your sales on overseas markets
  4. How to increase your profit margins
  5. How to make your supply chain more sustainable
  6. How to reduce your production and supply chain costs
  7. How to outsource production to other countries
  8. How to prepare your business for global expansion

While doing this research, we combine the accumulated expertise of our analysts and the capabilities of artificial intelligence. The AI-based platform, developed by our data scientists, constitutes the key working tool for business analysts, empowering them to discover deep insights and ideas from the marketing data.

  1. 1. INTRODUCTION

    Making Data-Driven Decisions to Grow Your Business

    1. REPORT DESCRIPTION
    2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND THE AI PLATFORM
    3. DATA-DRIVEN DECISIONS FOR YOUR BUSINESS
    4. GLOSSARY AND SPECIFIC TERMS

  2. 2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

    A Quick Overview of Market Performance

    1. KEY FINDINGS
    2. MARKET TRENDS This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO

  3. 3. MARKET OVERVIEW

    Understanding the Current State of The Market and its Prospects

    1. MARKET SIZE: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024) AND FORECAST (2025–2035)
    2. CONSUMPTION BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024) AND FORECAST (2025–2035)
    3. MARKET FORECAST TO 2035

  4. 4. MOST PROMISING PRODUCTS FOR DIVERSIFICATION

    Finding New Products to Diversify Your Business

    1. TOP PRODUCTS TO DIVERSIFY YOUR BUSINESS
    2. BEST-SELLING PRODUCTS
    3. MOST CONSUMED PRODUCTS
    4. MOST TRADED PRODUCTS
    5. MOST PROFITABLE PRODUCTS FOR EXPORT

  5. 5. MOST PROMISING SUPPLYING COUNTRIES

    Choosing the Best Countries to Establish Your Sustainable Supply Chain

    1. TOP COUNTRIES TO SOURCE YOUR PRODUCT
    2. TOP PRODUCING COUNTRIES
    3. COUNTRIES WITH TOP YIELDS
    4. TOP EXPORTING COUNTRIES
    5. LOW-COST EXPORTING COUNTRIES

  6. 6. MOST PROMISING OVERSEAS MARKETS

    Choosing the Best Countries to Boost Your Export

    1. TOP OVERSEAS MARKETS FOR EXPORTING YOUR PRODUCT
    2. TOP CONSUMING MARKETS
    3. UNSATURATED MARKETS
    4. TOP IMPORTING MARKETS
    5. MOST PROFITABLE MARKETS

  7. 7. PRODUCTION

    The Latest Trends and Insights into The Industry

    1. PRODUCTION VOLUME AND VALUE: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024) AND FORECAST (2025–2035)
    2. PRODUCTION BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024) AND FORECAST (2025–2035)
    3. HARVESTED AREA AND YIELD BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024) AND FORECAST (2025–2035)

  8. 8. IMPORTS

    The Largest Import Supplying Countries

    1. IMPORTS: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024) AND FORECAST (2025–2035)
    2. IMPORTS BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024) AND FORECAST (2025–2035)
    3. IMPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024) AND FORECAST (2025–2035)

  9. 9. EXPORTS

    The Largest Destinations for Exports

    1. EXPORTS: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024) AND FORECAST (2025–2035)
    2. EXPORTS BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024) AND FORECAST (2025–2035)
    3. EXPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024) AND FORECAST (2025–2035)

  10. 10. PROFILES OF MAJOR PRODUCERS

    The Largest Producers on The Market and Their Profiles

  11. 11. COUNTRY PROFILES

    The Largest Markets And Their Profiles

    This Chapter is Available Only for the Professional Edition PRO
    • Algeria
    • Angola
    • Benin
    • Botswana
    • Burkina Faso
    • Burundi
    • Cabo Verde
    • Cameroon
    • Central African Republic
    • Chad
    • Comoros
    • Congo
    • Democratic Republic of the Congo
    • Djibouti
    • Egypt
    • Equatorial Guinea
    • Eritrea
    • Ethiopia
    • Gabon
    • Gambia
    • Ghana
    • Guinea
    • Guinea-Bissau
    • Kenya
    • Lesotho
    • Liberia
    • Libya
    • Madagascar
    • Malawi
    • Mali
    • Mauritania
    • Mauritius
    • Mayotte
    • Morocco
    • Mozambique
    • Namibia
    • Niger
    • Nigeria
    • Reunion
    • Rwanda
    • Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
    • Sao Tome and Principe
    • Senegal
    • Seychelles
    • Sierra Leone
    • Somalia
    • South Africa
    • Sudan
    • Swaziland
    • Tanzania
    • Togo
    • Tunisia
    • Uganda
    • Zambia
    • Zimbabwe
    • Cote d'Ivoire
    • Western Sahara
    • South Sudan

  12. LIST OF TABLES

    1. Key Findings In 2024
    2. Market Volume, In Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    3. Market Value: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    4. Per Capita Consumption, by Country, 2022–2024
    5. Production, In Physical Terms, By Country: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    6. Harvested Area, by Country: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    7. Yield, by Country: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    8. Imports, in Physical Terms, by Country: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    9. Imports, in Value Terms, by Country: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    10. Import Prices, by Country: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    11. Exports, in Physical Terms, by Country: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    12. Exports, in Value Terms, by Country: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    13. Export Prices, by Country: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)

  13. LIST OF FIGURES

    1. Market Volume, in Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    2. Market Value: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    3. Consumption, by Country, 2024
    4. Market Volume Forecast to 2035
    5. Market Value Forecast to 2035
    6. Market Size and Growth, by Product
    7. Average Per Capita Consumption, by Product
    8. Exports and Growth, by Product
    9. Export Prices and Growth, by Product
    10. Production Volume and Growth
    11. Yield and Growth
    12. Exports and Growth
    13. Export Prices and Growth
    14. Market Size and Growth
    15. Per Capita Consumption
    16. Imports and Growth
    17. Import Prices
    18. Production, in Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    19. Production, in Value Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    20. Harvested Area: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    21. Yield: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    22. Production, in Physical Terms, by Country: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    23. Harvested Area, by Country, 2024
    24. Harvested Area, by Country: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    25. Yield, by Country: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    26. Imports, in Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    27. Imports, in Value Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    28. Imports, in Physical Terms, by Country, 2024
    29. Imports, in Physical Terms, by Country: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    30. Imports, in Value Terms, by Country: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    31. Import Prices, by Country: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    32. Exports, in Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    33. Exports, in Value Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    34. Exports, in Physical Terms, by Country, 2024
    35. Exports, in Physical Terms, by Country: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    36. Exports, in Value Terms, by Country: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    37. Export Prices, by Country: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)

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